When you’re just getting your business off the ground, it’s tempting to use Facebook as your main online presence. After all, it’s free, easy to set up, and you can connect with customers right away. You may even know a few small business owners who say they don’t need a website because they have a Facebook page. But here’s the thing: while Facebook is a great marketing tool, it should never replace a dedicated website. If you’re relying on Facebook alone, you’re missing out on some serious benefits.
You Don’t Own Facebook
Let’s start with one of the biggest issues. When you use Facebook as your primary business page, you don’t own it. You’re building your entire online presence on borrowed land. That means Facebook controls what people see, how they see it, and whether they see it at all. Algorithms change. Rules shift. And if Facebook decides to shut down your page—or even your whole account—you have no say in the matter.
Your website, on the other hand, is your own. It’s something you control from top to bottom. You decide what goes on it, how it looks, and how it functions. That’s a big deal when you’re building a brand you want to last.
Limited Control Over Design & Content
Let’s be honest—every Facebook business page looks pretty much the same. There’s very little room for customization, and you’re locked into the layout Facebook provides. That makes it tough to stand out from the crowd or create something that truly reflects your brand.
With a custom website, you can design every element to match your business’s personality. Whether that means using bold visuals, clear navigation, or messaging that speaks directly to your ideal audience, your website gives you the flexibility to create something unique. That kind of personalization just isn’t possible on Facebook.
You Can’t Rely on Reach
When Facebook first introduced business pages, it was easy to get in front of your audience. These days, not so much. Organic reach on Facebook has declined significantly, and most of your posts are seen by only a small percentage of your followers—unless you’re paying for ads.
That means even if you’ve built a decent following, there’s no guarantee your audience is actually seeing your content. A website doesn’t have that problem. When someone visits your site, they’re engaging directly with your content. No algorithms. No middleman. Just you and your customer.
Professionalism Matters
Having a dedicated website shows people you take your business seriously. It builds credibility. It tells potential customers that you’ve invested in your brand and that you’re here to stay. Sure, a Facebook page can provide updates and reviews—but it doesn’t give the same sense of professionalism and permanence that a well-designed website does.
Think about the last time you looked up a business. Did you go to their website or their Facebook page? Most people want to see a real website. It helps them feel more confident about doing business with you.
Better Search Visibility
Search engines like Google prioritize websites in their search results. While Facebook pages do show up in searches, they’re rarely the top result. That means if someone is searching for your products or services online, having a website significantly increases your chances of being found.
A well-optimized website allows you to target specific keywords, include helpful content, and improve your visibility. Plus, it gives you a better chance of appearing in Google’s local search features, like the map listings or the “near me” results. Facebook just doesn’t offer that same level of search engine power.
You Have More Tools at Your Disposal
Websites come with a whole toolbox of features that you can’t get on Facebook. Want to sell products online? Add a blog? Let people book appointments? Collect leads through contact forms? These are all things you can build right into your site. And they’re designed to work together to support your business goals.
On Facebook, your options are limited. You can post updates, share images, and respond to messages, but that’s about it. You’re working within someone else’s framework, which often means making compromises you wouldn’t have to make with your own site.
You’re Building for the Long-Term
Social media trends change. Platforms come and go. Just ask anyone who invested all their time and energy into MySpace. That’s why it’s so important to build something that stands the test of time.
Your website is a long-term asset. It grows with your business. It evolves as your needs change. It’s something you can invest in and improve over time. And the best part? It works 24/7, even when you’re not.
Use Facebook as a Tool, Not a Replacement
This isn’t to say that Facebook doesn’t have value. It absolutely does. It’s a great place to connect with customers, share updates, and promote your content. But it works best as part of a larger strategy—not as a substitute for a website.
The most successful businesses use both. They have a professional website that serves as the foundation of their online presence, and they use Facebook and other social platforms to drive traffic back to that site. It’s all about balance. Let each platform do what it does best.
Thrive Web Designs – Expert Web Design in Boise
If you’ve been relying on Facebook alone, now’s the time to rethink that strategy. A dedicated website gives you more control, more visibility, and more opportunities to connect with your audience. It helps you look more professional, stay competitive, and build something that lasts.
At Thrive Web Designs, we specialize in building websites that work for small businesses. We believe every business deserves a strong online presence—and that starts with a site that’s built just for you. If you’re ready to take that next step, contact us by filling out our online form or calling (208) 391-2504.
